ASAA will present two more rounds of award entries an the next two editions of Discovering Stone magazine produced by Elite Publishing. The deadline for submission of entries in the next round is 31/7/2019 Entries are required in all categories. Please view the award entry form for advice about required text and images. ASAA will produce each award entry using the supplied images and information. The awards will be adjudicated by members of the AIA.

The Australian Stone Advisory Association recently reached agreement with AB Phillips, a market leader in regard to provision of a variety of general insurance products and financial services. ASAA members will gain access to insurance policies which cover general property like tools and equipment, and other services ranging from business interruption, product and public liability, life cover, income protection, motor vehicle and electronic equipment.

Significantly AB Phillips also partner more than 20 leading industry associations including SPASA, the Wood Flooring association and the Glass & Glazing Association.

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On 24 October, 2017, the NSW Government launched a five year hazardous chemicals strategy with a top priority to protect workers against exposure to crystalline silica. The strategy was developed in consultation with industry associations, unions, medical professionals, government agencies and other peak bodies.

ASAA Technical Committee member Carl Strautins represents ASAA on the SafeWork NSW task force which has been formed to review safety standards in the manufactured stone industry, and all other related industry sectors.

The strategy will include work place assessments, and a drive to create best practice in design of jobs and work practices. It is anticipated that a NSW register will be created in collaboration with Dust Disease Care to monitor occupational lung disease.

On 3 July 2017, the Australian Stone Advisory Association (ASAA) circulated information regarding proposed changes to its Constitution, which are designed to “fully represent the interests of all elements of the industry.” A vote on a Special Resolution was required to amend the Constitution.

Financial members were invited to vote in person at the AGM, which was held at Holmesglen TAFE on 26 July 2017, or via a proxy vote. The Resolution was passed and the revised Constitution will soon be available for review at www.asaa.com.au.

The members of the Board remain unchanged, as nominations and elections of new directors are now held biennially. The current Board consists of:

• CEO: Peter Mitchelhill, CDK Stone (VIC)
• Wayne Blakeney, Absolute Stone (WA)
• Jim Mann, Stone Initiatives & Materials Testing (SA)
• Rolf Offerhaus, Ardex Australia (NSW)
• Bruno Repeti, Stone Concept Holdings (NSW)
• David West, Materialswise (NSW)
• Carolyn Spralja, Cairns Marble (QLD)
• Michael Steel, BAM Stone (VIC)

In light of the changes to the Constitution the Board will now determine its next steps.

Following the AGM the ASAA presented a panel discussion entitled Natural Stone – Naturally Sustainable, which was well received by all attendees.

July 26 – Time 4:15 to 5:45pm

Venue:
Holmesglen Institute of TAFE,
Cnr Warrigal & Batesford Roads,
Holmesglen, Melbourne, 3148

Note: The ASAA hosted ‘Ask the Experts’ Panel Debate on Natural Stone – Naturally Sustainable will follow at 6pm. See next post.